On the agenda: Sidney August 3, 2026 — data center (Aug 3)

Sidney Township Board Minutes
August 3, 2026
The Sidney Township Board meeting held at the Sidney Township Hall at 3019 S Grow Road Sidney, Michigan
on August 3, 2026 was called to order by Supervisor Peterman at 7:00 p.m. followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
ATTENDENCE: Supervisor: Terry Peterman, Clerk: Carrie Wills, Treasurer: Corinda Stover Trustees: Ray
Leyrer, Erik Benko
AGENDA:
A motion was made by Leyrer and seconded by Benko to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
APPROVE MINUTES:
A motion was made by Leyrer and seconded by Benko to approve the minutes from the July 6, 2026 board
meeting as presented. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Clerk
Wills reminded that primary election is tomorrow, August 4 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Supervisor
Peterman reported that the fence along the front of the park should be installed Wednesday this week or next. A
safety fence was put up near the north pavilion to keep visitors from parking on the grass. It will protect the well
head from getting run over. Rob Putnam from the Road Commission was asked if he had any old guard railing
that we could have to replace the safety fencing as it would work much better. Rob said he should have some
that we can use.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Rob Putman, Road Commission
Rob was attending tonight to update the board on the problems he encountered in trying to install a flashing light
at the corner of Sidney and Derby Road. Consumers Energy said the light would have to be put up at a higher
height which would involve several other changes that could end up costing $30,000 or more. An alterative idea
was to install solar powered blinking lights atop of all of the stop signs at that corner. The cost would be
approximately $300 more than we paid to have the flashing red light installed.
A motion was made by Stover and seconded by Wills to approve the new contract with the Road Commission to
install a blinking on each of the stop signs on the four corners and to pay the additional $300 for the project.
Motion carried.
Rob reported that all the road maintenance projects that were contracted for this summer had been completed.
He also talked about improvements that are needed and will be completed to the Road Commission buildings.
TREASURER’S REPORT,
The Treasurer presented her report.
Current checkbook balance as of June 30, 2026 is $126,681.92
Current balance in the park fund is $4,731.87, the fire bond is $66.54 and the weed accounts are Derby Lake,
$55,183.64 and Nevins Lake $7,022.92 CD balance is $29,587.85
MICHIGAN CLASS FUNDS:
MI CLASS Fire Truck: $181,255.96
MI CLASS General $280,650.15
A motion was made by Leyrer and seconded by Benko to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. Motion
carried.
CLERK’S REPORT:
Wills presented a list of expenses for the month. Total expenses reported was $56,057.49 which includes wages
for election inspectors for the August 4th election.
A motion was made by Stover and seconded by Leyrer to approve the Clerk’s report and pay the monthly
expenses. Motion carried.

PLANNING COMMISSION
Leyrer reported that the Planning Commission will meet again on September 1, 2026. They will have a draft of
an ordinance for data centers by then that will be reviewed by the commission.
Leyrer asked Wills if she could put together a report with a breakdown of the expenses for the special use
permit for the new mechanic shop. It is unlawful for the township to collect more money for the permit process
than the actual cost of the process. The Township will need to reimburse the owner for any amount that was
collected over the actual cost.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT.
Commission Adam Petersen was not present
ZONING
Dale was unable to attend the meeting.
FIRE DEPARTMENTS:
Sheridan & Stanton:
Benko reported that both fire meetings went well. The Stanton Department is near agreeing to merge with the
Sheridan Authority. Another joint meeting with all the entities will be scheduled soon to answer any outstanding
concerns about the merge.
OLD BUSINESS
Cement Steps
John Horn has repaired the concrete in front of the township hall. It was sealed and will need to be sealed again
this year and then treated regularly ever few years. We need to know what is used to seal it so we can buy the
right sealant.
Sidney Corner Light
Already updated by Rob.
Park Fence Replaced
Already discussed under Supervisor’s report
Cemetery Gravel
Peterman has received a quote of $2800 to finish the project of adding crushed concrete to the driveway in the
cemetery. This will complete the project and should be good for a long time.
A motion was made by Leyrer and seconded by Stover to approve Dairyland Excavating’s quote of $2800 to
finish adding crushed concrete to the cemetery driveway and complete the project. Motion carried.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was no new business to come before the board.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Aletha Curtis, who lives on Derby Lake, wanted to discuss the problem of putting up buildings that require no
zoning permit if the structure is less than 200 square feet. A resident on the lake recently constructed a gazebo
on their deck that blocks the view of the lake. She questioned what will happen if several residents decide to do
the same. How many structures can be constructed on one lot as long as they are under the 200 square feet
and require no permit. She suggested the planning commission take a look at the ordinance and see if there
should maybe be some amendments made.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Stover and seconded by Leyrer to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Carrie Wills
Sidney Twp Clerk